The first performer to grace the stage of the new-look Grand Theatre attracted crowds of music lovers as the curtain rose on a new era for the historic venue.

Hundreds of excited fans poured through the doors of the theatre to sing and sway along to the silky warblings of Neil Diamond tribute act Real Diamond, aka John Hylton.

Members of the audience – some who had travelled from across the country – waved and clapped along as he belted out classic hits such as Sweet Caroline, Love on the Rocks, Red Red Wine and Forever in Blue Jeans.

Mark Wettall, aged 38, from Sedgley, and his girlfriend Melanie Foster, aged 31, were among the youngest in the audience.

“I just love Neil Diamond so when I heard this show was on I said we had to come and see it,” said Melanie.

Pam Smith, aged 70, from Penn, snapped up tickets for the show on the first day they went on sale.

“I recently had a hip replacement and I had Neil Diamond singing in my ear to get through it,” she said.

Mrs Smith also approved of the new-look theatre. Since closing on June 30, bosses ripped out all of the theatre’s seats and carpets.

“It looks absolutely lovely,” she said. “It makes a real difference and it is great that people have much more leg room.”